Ghepan glacial lake expands nearly 3-fold, raises flood concerns

Ghepan glacial lake in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Spiti has expanded from 36.49 hectares in 1989 to over 101 hectares in 2022, raising concerns over a potential Glacial Lake Outburst Flood. The lake, at around 4,070 metres, has increased risks for downstream settlements, prompting the district administration to step up surveillance, preparedness and evacuation planning.